A Safe Halloween is a Happy Halloween

Halloween is a fun, exciting and highly anticipated night for children. To keep everyone happy and safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics provides some helpful tips.

Costumes:

When shopping for costumes, look for labels clearly showing that it’s flame-resistant.

Costumes should be bright and reflective, and short enough to avoid tripping or entanglement. Consider adding reflective tape to costumes or candy bags.

Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup instead. Be sure to test the makeup the day before on a small patch of skin to check for itching or allergies.

If a hat is worn, make sure it doesn’t fall over the eyes.

If a sword, cane, or stick is part of the costume, check it for sharp or pointy edges.

Don’t use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While these lenses make claims to be “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is dangerous and can lead to pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders.

Trick-or-Treating:

Review with children how to call 911 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their trick-or-treating.

All children and adults should carry flashlights with fresh batteries.

If older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.

Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.

Never cut across yards or use alleys.

Only cross the street as a group in crosswalks, as established by local custom. Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.

Don’t assume the right of way. Drivers may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. And just because one car stops, doesn’t mean that others will.

Law enforcement should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. A responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items.